Vaccines and CVD Reduction: Insights from FLUNITY-HD Cardiovascular Outcomes Data

Influenza is often thought of primarily as a respiratory illness—but its impact may extend well beyond the lungs. Growing evidence suggests that influenza infection can trigger cardiovascular events, while vaccination may represent an under-recognized tool in cardiovascular prevention. In this episode of The Heart of Prevention, host Dr. Keerthana Pakanati is joined by Dr. Alison Bailey to explore the evolving connection between influenza and cardiovascular disease. They discuss how influenza vaccination emerged as a potential cardiovascular prevention strategy, what we are learning from the cardiovascular analysis of FLUNITY-HD—including findings related to heart failure hospitalization—and where vaccination may fit within the broader preventive cardiology toolkit. The conversation also tackles the practical questions: Should we think about vaccines alongside statins, antihypertensives, and other preventive therapies? How should clinicians approach high-dose versus standard-dose vaccination in older adults? And what evidence do we still need to better define the role of influenza vaccination in cardiovascular prevention? Tune in for a timely conversation about infection, inflammation, vaccination, and why protecting against the flu may also mean thinking about the heart. Sanofi provided financial sponsorship for the production of this podcast and had no influence or involvement in the review, approval, or development of any content.